Illuminating system, reflector, and lamp assembly



Nov. 11, 1930. DE VAULT 1,781,053

ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, REFLECTOR, AND LAMP ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 5, 1925 5Sh66t$ Sh69t l Nov. 11, 1930. R, P, DE VA LT 1,781,053

ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, REFLECTOR, AND LAMP ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 5, 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 M. 11, 1930. R. P. DE VAULT 1,781,053

ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, .REFLECTOR, ANE LAMP ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 5, 1 25 3Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Nov. 11, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RALPH PULLI'AM DE VAULT, OF VILLA PARK, ILLINOIS, ASSIGIN'OB, BY MESNE-AS- SIGNMENTS, TO ACME MOTION PICTURE PROJECTOR COMPANY, OF CHICAGO, ILLL NOIS, A CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, REFLECTOR, AND LAMP ASSEMBLY Application filed September This invention relates to an illuminating encompass substantially all of the light emanating from an incandescent lamp and includes means whereby it may be projected without distortion and free from dark spots of non-reflective surfaces, uniformally, particularly Where the light source is more than a mere point and extends over a considerable area. The invention therein described relates more particularly to reflective curvilinear surfaces in combination with each other obtained by simple grinding means and of a form which throws .a beam of light through a collecting reflector, reinforcing the incident beam to increase the source of light beyond that value heretofore obtainable, without increasing the power of the source of light and still obtain light'rays in substantial parallel relationship, and includes in one of the modifications provision for making reflective surfaces either part of an incandescent lamp or non-integral as to part of the combination or entire assembly, that is. the projecting reflector orthe conveying reflector, or both may form distinct and separate parts as compared with the incandescent lamp or any other surface of illumination.

In the modification therein described where the reflective surfaces are separable from the incandescent source of light, either as to one reflector or both, in order to maintain the relationship of the several elements forming the light pro ecting unit, in order to give the maximum efliciency in the character, quantity and nature of the light rays that are projected as more specifically set forth in the application referred to, I have devised mounting means for this type of assembly.

This invention, has for its principal objects the provision of new and novel projecting apparatus and co-ordinately resides in a new. novel and approved apparatus for mounting an assembly.

5, 1925. Serial No. 54,625. i

The principal objects and advantages which characterize this invention are expressed in the provision of improved means for projecting light rays from a centralized source ofv light including ray projecting reflectors in combination with ray collecting and conveying reflectors, and in providing means for universally adjusting the separate elements; the provision of an improved arrangement of reflecting surface for projecting light rays from the source substantially encompassed by said surfaces and means for adjusting said elements thereof, for projecting light rays in substantially parallel relationship; the provision of an improved arrangement of reflecting surfaces for projecting light rays from a light source whose light emitting area may be variable and substantially encompassed by said surface and means for adjusting said elements thereof, for projecting light rays in substantially parallel relationship.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of improved mounting means for an illuminating. system, and in the provision of adjusting means of the reflectors thereof along the optical aixs; the provision of an improved form of mounting for reflectors having primary adjusting means and secondary adjusting means; the provision of an improved mounting for reflectors arranged for relative movement of the separate elements thereof along a line coincident with the optical axis of the reflector, and in the further provision of adjusting means for relative movement of the reflectors without disturbing the axial arrangement of the reflector.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of a new improved mounting means for the reflectors of an illuminating system where adjustment may be obtained of adjusting means for movement along said guideways.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of new and improved mounting for reflectors and for adjustment thereof by a rotary movement of a reflector; the proing a reflective surface which has primary adjustability and secondary adjustaoility in.

reference to ray condensing means; the provision of a projecting reflective surface which has primary and secondary adjustability in reference to ray condensing means; the provision of a projecting reflective surface having primary and secondary adjustability in reference to ray condensing means, in combination with a ray collecting and conveying means; the provision of a ray projecting reflective surface having primary and secondary adjustability in reference to my condensing means in combination with an adjustable ray collecting and conveying reflective surface.

The invention is still further characterized by the provision of an illuminating system having light source of adjustable character in combination with light salvaging means,

having primary and secondary adjustability; the provision of an illuminating system having alight source of universally adjustable character in combination with light salvaging means having primary and secondary adjustability; the provision of an illuminating system having alight source of universally adjust-able character in combination with a reflective surface which has primary and secondary adjustability in reference to ray condensing means; the provision of an illuminating system-having a light source of universally adjustable character in-com bination with a ray projecting reflective surface which has primary and secondary adjustability in referenceto ray condensing means in combination with ray collecting and conveying means; the provision of an illuminating system having a lightsource of substantial universally adjustable character in combination with a ray projecting reflective surface which has primary and secondary adjustability in" reference to ray condensing means, in combination with ray collecting and conveying reflective surface Wh1Ch has primary and secondary adjustable means. i

The invention is further characterized by the provision of an illuminating system having the combination of a source of illumination in the form of an incandescent lamp and salvaging means for the light rays in the form of reflective surfaces arranged so that there is obtained a collection of light and projection thereof, corresponding substantially to the effect obtained without the refractive effects due to interposed layers of glass, and resides in the provision of reflective surfaces which substantially encompass such source of illumination, and in the furt'her provision of means for making such source of illumination accessible; the invention is further characterized by the provision of an illumination system in which the maximum amount possible of light is salvaged and presses through denser layers of a transparent medium such as glass, at angles substantially normal and in the combination therewith of means for adjusting said source of light and making the same accessible; the provision of an illuminating system having a source of illumination in the form of a v substantially spheroidal bulb, having in combination therewith means for salvaging substantially all the light emanating therefrom by reflective surfaces substantially encompassing the same and of means for rendering said light source accessible for repair and replacement without aflecting the relationship of the reflective surfaces in reference to each other as to any predetermined adjustment or setting.

The invention is further characterized by the provision of'mounting means for the reflectors of an illuminating system in combination with condensing meansor lenses which have means to hold the 'same with their optical axis coincident and guide means arranged to hold the reflectors perpendicular to the optical axis; and further resides in the provision of mounting means for holding the reflectors in alignment with the optical axis and perpendicular thereto, and including means for adjustment while maintaining axial alignment and perpendicularity of the reflectors; the provision of mounting means for an illumination system havinga ray projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector, of supporting means for holding the same adjustable while maintaining the same in axial alignment and perpendicular to the optical axis; the provision of mounting means for an illumination system having a ray projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector in combination with a source of illumination including a filament of extensive area, of adjustable supporting means for the same having movement while maintaining the several elements in axial alignment and perpendicularity to the optical axis; the provision of mounting means for a plurality of reflectors and an incandescent lamp adjustably related to each other, at the same time maintaining perfect perpendicularity and axial alignment of the reflectors and filament of the mp- This invention is still. further specifically characterized by the provision of peripheral guiding means for reflectors; the provision of peripheral guiding and adjusting means for reflectors; the provision of peripheral guiding and screw adjusting means for reflectors; the provision of a combined projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector, of peripheral guiding means therefor, more T particularly means including threaded screw surface engagement or portions thereof.

The foregoing and such other objects and advantages as may appear or be pointed out as this description proceeds, are attainable with structural arrangements which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of one embodiment of my device;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary front elevation of the View shown in Fig. 1 taken on line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary side'elevation similar to Fig. 1 with portions slightly modified.

Referring particularly to the drawing, 6 is an incandescent lamp preferably having a spheroidal bulb 7, and a filament 8 preferably of the monoplane type, held in an off center position by a pedestal 9 between a rear reflector 10 and a front reflector 11 positioned with their optical axes coincident with line O-O preferably passing through the center of the filament of the lamp. In my preferred embodiment these reflectors are of the type referred to in my prior application to which reference is above made, in which instance 10 would be a projecting reflector and 11 a collecting and conveying reflector. However, it will be understood that other reflectors may be used for certain purposes. These reflectors are held Within mounting rings 12 and 13 respectively. Supporting guides 14 of which four are supplied, are parallelly arranged and held between the front plate 15 and the rear plate 16 adapted to be received within a lamp housing in a suitable manner not herein shown.

The supporting guides are preferably tubular in cross-section, made in several parts as shown divided at joint 17 and joined together in telescopic relation by an internal incompletely cylindrical tube 18 having slidable engagement with the separable portions of the guides 14 and held against separation by the set screw 14. The guides 14 are spaced so as to be equidistant from the optical axial line O O and parallel to the same and have an internal thread 19 cut along the lengths thereof of any suitable pitch.

The mounting rings 12 and 13 are preferably fiat sheet metal stampings having central bead portions 20 and 21 for the rear refiector and front reflector respectively, which portion is perpendicular to the optical axis involving propelling- OO. These bead portions are adapted to receive the mirrors which are held in posi tion by retaining resilient or springwires 22 clinched through the holes 23 in the rims. The outer rim portion 24 of the frames 12 and 13 are formed by stamping the peripheral portion so as to include a portion of an external thread corresponding in pitch to the thread cut in the tubes above-mentioned, and at 25, 25, the ends of the thread are shown in spaced relationship making one complete turn.

Condensing lenses 26 are mounted within the aperture of the front reflector and held within lens mounting means 27 and arranged for removably mounting within the front plate 15 by the fingers 28 which engage the front plate at 29 between aretaining ring 30.

A lamp support 31 is supplied for the incandescent bulb 6 and is preferably arranged to be supported upon two of the lower guides 1.4, and comprises a pair of engaging members 33, 34, almost completely embracing the guides 14 and similarly shaped and arranged for sliding engagement therewith. The front portion 34 has a downwardly depending lug 35 through which is passed a set screw to engage the body member of the strap 31 serving as a clamp to bind or release the strap upon the guides 14. The lowermost portion of the strap 31 is arranged to hold the lamp base. 36, and for this purpose there is supplied a lamp base collar 37 having spaced lugs 38 through which there is passed a set screw 39. The collar 37 has transversely spaced lugs 40 and 41 which are apertured for holding the lamp collar and socket connected to the strap 31 by the rear bolt 42 and nut 43 and the front nut 44 and set screw 45 operating within a slot 47 having a wide portion 48 adapted to receive the lamp base 36 for movement across its width.

Upon examination of the parts above described,it will be observed that the rings 12 and 13 with their thread rim portions are related to the threaded guides, in a manner such as the male portion of a screw to the female portion, respectively. As the rims and the threads are of the same pitch and have the same outside diameter and axis, adjustment along the guides 14 may be made at will by a simple rotary movement of the reflector. The head portion being arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the screw which corresponds to the axis O-O, backward and forward movement of the rim and the reflector mounted therein and held in position by the wires 22, will be had. in a way to give perfect perpendicularity of the reflectors while maintaining axial alignment. In this manner, relationship of the rings 12 and 13 to each other, or of any one of them or both to the condensing lenses 26 may be adjusted with almost micrometric precision, by rotations of the frames.

pletely cylindrical member 18, either for complete separation or partial adjustment. In this manner this afiords a primary adj ustability of the parts, the arrangement previously described affording secondary adjustment of the nature above described.

The lamp socket 6 of the bulb 7 positioned within the lamp base 36 may be given any rotary adjustment within the collar 37 by release of the set screws 39 passing through the lugs 38. In this manner the monoplane filament 8 may be brought within a plane parallel to the plane of the reflectors and the height thereof adjusted to have the central portion of the filament coincident with the optical axes OO of the reflectors.

Transverse adjustment of the filament in a horizontal direction may be effected by moving the lamp socket assembly in relation to the support strap 31, by proper release bolt 42 and set screw arranged for movement within the slots 47, carrying with them the socket 36 Within the slot 48.

It will thus be observed that in this way I haveprovided an arrangement whereby substantially universal adjustment may behad between the light source and light salvaging means, and in a. manner which will furnish light rays in substantially parallel relationship uniformly free from any distortion or dark spots, when projected upon the object to be illuminated, and in intensity not heretofore attainable with a similar size bulb.

It will also be observed that with an arrangement of parts as herein set forth, a lamp Thus a bulb may be used of substantially spherical form, permitting substantially intimate positioning of the filament portion in relation to the projecting reflector. casting shadows of the supporting pedestal to the minimum degree possible and when a conveying and collecting reflector is used, the several parts may be made accessible for repair, cleaning or replacement quickly and efficiently; and further by the use of a spheroidal lamp distortion of the light rays due to the refractive nature of glass is reduced to a minimum, still the mounting means herein described permits accessibility without requiring repeated cumbersome readjustment. It will be observed that the primary adjustment of the reflectors permits separation of the reflectors and repositioning thereof to exactly the same'position, permitting repair and replacement without disturbing the secondary adjustment, that is the relative position of the reflectors to each other and to the condensing lenses. v

In Fig. 4, I have described a slightly differently formed lamp base structure in the nature of an attachment to the form shown and described in Fig. 3, and giving an adjustment to the lamp base 31.

As above described the mirror frame 13 has I a central bead portion 21 which is perpendicular to the optical axis." The bead portion 21 pending lip 21 extending beyond the mirror portion for a small distance forming an inwardly directed circular rim serving a purpose which will now appear.

The View in Fig. 4 shows the mirror 11 slightly fragmentary'at a point near the lower guide 14 and it will be observed that the front strap 34 has a tongue portion 34 thereare in engaging relation with the rim 21 of the rear mirror, in this manner giving upon rotation of the frame a sliding movement to the lamp base as the screw members formed by the frame 13 and guides 14 are put into operation. In this way the reflector 11 and the lamp base acting in unison may be given adjustment in relation to the rear reflector 10.

Though I, have described the frame 13 engaging the tongue 34 as the method of adj ustment of the lamp base and mirror, a separate frame similar to the frame 13 having engagement with lamp base may be provided for giving independent adjustment of the sepa-.

rate elements, and although I have described the tongue 34' as made as a fixed portion of the straps, this member may be removably connected to the lamp base straps 34 or another portion of the lamp base, so that if it is desired to have the front reflector and lamp base adjustable, the tongue is left in engagement with the bead 21 of the reflector frame, for independent movement, of the lamp base and reflector the engaging tongue 34 is dis-.

connected. In this manner, also the set screw 39 acts to hold the lamp socket in fixed position as Well as the reflector frame.

In the claims where I refer to reflectors, I mean to include thereby reflective surfaces used in the projector field, preferably comprising mirrored surfaces.

Having described my invention and illustrated its use what I claim and desire to cover by Letters Patent is 1. For use in a light pro ection apparatus, a reflector frame formed of a single metal is extended slightly to form an inwardly dedisk, a rim portion formed thereon in a plane substantially transverse to the optical axis, the rim portion being disposed from a normal plane thereof to form a portion of a thread of a screw.

2. In a light projection apparatus, a reflector arranged for movement along its optical axis, a frame for mounting said reflector, said frame being formed with a peripheral portion split at itsedges and formed as a portion of a thread of a screw with the terminals of the screw beginning and ending at such split portion.

3. In a light projection apparatus,a reflector arranged for movement along its optical axis in reference to a supporting frame therefor comprising spaced members, peripherally engaging the same, means for moving said reflector by rotary movement thereof in relation to said members without disturbing the axial arrangement of said reflector.

4. In a light projection apparatus including primary focusing means, a reflector arranged for movement along an optical axis,

in reference to a supporting frame comprising spaced guide members and a peripheral portion formed as a portion of a thread of a screw cooperatin with said guides for causing movement of said reflector by a rotary movement thereof.

5. In a light projection apparatus including primary focusing means, a reflector arranged for bodily movement and adjustment along its optical axis, spaced guiding means grouped to have their central axis coincident with the optical axis and means on said reflector engaging said guiding means and adapted to move said reflector along said guiding means by relative rotary movement to each other. I

6. In a light projection apparatus, in combination a reflector arranged for bodily movement and adjustment, along its optical axis,-

a conveying and collecting reflector with its reflective surface oppositely disposed to said first reflector, positioned to have its optical axis coincid ent with that of the first mentioned reflector and having coaxially disposed means adapted to move the same along a line coincident with said optical axis.

7. In a light projecting apparatus, a lamp supporting frame adapted to support a ray projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector and means for holding the said reflectors in adjustable relation by adjusting means, said reflectors being formed so as to encompass a light source, said frame .being formed of longitudinally disposed separable members in bodily slidably engageable relationship to make the elements and light source accessible by bodily movement of the parts and arranged for reassembly without affecting the adjusting means.

8. For use in a light projection apparatus,

a reflector frame stamped from a disk or sheet having its peripheral edge in substantially the plane of the disk, formed as a single convolute of a thread of a screw and including a rim andbead portion at right angles to the axis of the thread portion and inwardly directed for forming a support for a reflector.

9. For use in a light projection apparatus, a reflector frame formed from a disk or sheet, said frame including a peripheral edge portion formed as a single convolute of a thread of a screw and an inwardly extending bead perpendicular to the axis of the screw portion, defining a wall concentric with the axis, capable of supporting a reflector.

10. In a light projecting apparatus, the combination which includes a ray projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector and mounting means therefor encompassing a source of illumination and adjustable relatively to each other by screw threaded means, the first reflector .forming the male portion of the screw, the mounting means comprising the female portion of the screw and formed of spaced notched guide members engaging the periphery of said reflector and receiving the male portion of said reflector.

11. In a light projecting. apparatus, the combination which includes a ray projecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector and mounting means therefor encompassing a source of illumination and adjustable relatively to each other by screw threaded means, the first reflector forming the male portion of the screw, the mounting means comprising the female portion of the screw andformed of spaced notched guide members engaging the periphery of said re-' flector and receiving the male portion of said reflector, said guide members comprising spaced tubular members in telescopic engagement whereby primary adjustment may be obtained.

12. In a light projecting apparatus, the combination which includes means for mounting the lamp comprising a plurality of framed members substantially parallel to the optical axis, means for projecting and salvaging light comprising a plurality of reflector members, a lamp base engaging said frame members, said reflectors being arranged for adjustable relationship to said frame members by screw threading formed on said reflectors, said frame members including co-operative screw threaded portions engaging said threaded portion of said reflector members and connecting means between said frame.

13. In a light projecting apparatus, the combination which includes means for mounting the lamp comprising. a plurality of framed members, means for projecting and salvaging light comprising a plurality of reflector members, a lamp base slidably mounted on said frame members, said reflectors being arranged for adjustable relation to said frame members by screw threading, screw threaded portlons formed on said reflector members and cooperative screw .threaded portions formed on said frame members, the frame members and reflectors forming respective the female portion and malepo'rtion of the screw adjustable system and slidable engagin -means between said frame members where y said reflectors may be bodily adjusted in relation to each other.

14:. In a light projection apparatus, in

combination, a light ray projecting reflector and a light ray collecting and conveying reflector having their optical axis coincident, both of said reflectors having guiding means for mounting the same and making peripheral engagement therewith, said reflectors and uiding means having reflector threaded a vancing means for adjusting movement along the line coincident with the optical axis by engagement of said reflectors with said guiding means, by a rotary movement of said reflectors relatively to said guiding means.

15. In a light projection apparatus, in combination, a projecting reflector, a spaced ray collecting and conveying reflector, spaced adjustable mounting means for said reflectors and engaging the rim portions of said reflectors including screw-threaded portions engaging said mounting means for adjustment of said reflectors relatively to each other, and a lamp supporting frame connected to one of said reflectors.

16. In a light projection apparatus, in combination, a supporting frame adapted to support a ray pro ecting reflector and a ray collecting and conveying reflector in adjustable relationship, said frame having primary adjusting means for bodily slidably moving the reflectors relatively to each other compris- 'ing pairs of guiding members having slidable engagement with each other, and means for holding said members in adjustable positions to each other along the optical axis, one of said reflectors being mounted on one of said pairs of members, and secondary adjusting means for said reflectors comprising engaging means between said guides and reflectors.

In witness whereof, I have signed this specification, this 18 day of July, A. D. 1925. I

RALPH PULLIAM DE VAULT. 

